September 14, 2012 - The new General Manager of The Hotel School Sydney, Tony Patterson, is himself a graduate of THSS and Southern Cross University.

Mr Patterson is a dynamic business leader with a track record of adding value to organisations by developing strategic vision and delivering results. His career has spanned over 20 years within senior management teams in the hospitality and tourism industries. Most recently Mr Patterson transitioned his experience into the Vocational Education Training sector where he was the NSW/ACT State Training Manager & Campus Manager with MEGT Institute and prior to that as Manager, International Academy, Hostec International Pty Ltd.

He holds a Bachelor of Business in Hotel Management (SCU) and is currently undertaking a Masters in Education (Educational Management & Leadership) at The University of Sydney.

“The Hotel School Sydney has been setting benchmarks in hospitality education for the past 23 years”, says Patterson. “I was confident that the knowledge that was imparted to me at The Hotel School Sydney would secure my future in this industry. Throughout my career I have been proud to be a graduate of The Hotel School Sydney and Southern Cross University. The applied knowledge of my Bachelor of Business in Hotel Management has not only been the lynch-pin for my successful career in the hospitality and tourism industries, but has also allowed me to transfer my business acumen into other industries including the training sector.”

“I am even prouder to know that I have come ‘home’ to my alma mater, an educational institution of exceptional academic standard, where engaged and inspired people are taught by a faculty of academics whose knowledge, enthusiasm, dedication and support bring out the best in every student here.”

His management style, characterised by the mentoring and motivation of individuals and teams, is a perfect fit for an institution where the culture is small classes, taught by dedicated and supportive academics who aim to develop students to their maximum potential.

“I've learned that the only way to be successful in life is to set goals and start!” he says.” “For example, over the years, I have made a commitment to improve my health by entering events that would also benefit others. This year I am throwing all my fund raising efforts into benefitting the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse at RPA hospital and have committed to raising over $5,000 by riding over 200 km in The Sunsuper Ride to Conquer Cancer® in October.”

The Hotel School Sydney (hotelschool.scu.edu.au) is part of Southern Cross University and a unique partnership between SCU and the Mulpha Australia portfolio of luxury hotels and lifestyle properties (which include InterContinental Sydney, Hayman Great Barrier Reef and Hyatt Regency Sanctuary Cove). The multi-award-winning THSS has been established for 23 years and has long been widely recognised as setting benchmarks in hospitality education.

Situated close to Circular Quay in the Sydney CBD and staffed by Sydney-based SCU academics, THSS teaches a Bachelor of Business in Hotel Management degree, with the option to continue to post-graduate studies.

The program is focused on hotel operational skills, management practice in the Hospitality and Tourism Industry and the skills needed for continued learning in a changing global business environment. Paid work opportunities are an attractive feature of the program, as is its proximity to the five star InterContinental Sydney (adjacent). The school is positioned in the heart of the CBD, with the Harbour, Sydney Opera House and Botanical Gardens on its doorstep.

Tony Patterson states “our aim is to main THSS as a ‘centre of excellence’ where students study innovative programs that are supported by the industry and delivered by dedicated academics. Our programs offer the right balance of theoretical knowledge and applied skills, capped by an integrated internship to allow graduates a seamless entry point to a successful career in the industry. We are constantly engaging with industry experts to ensure our programs are meeting their needs and continually striving to improve our curriculum in order to remain current. As we move forward, our focus is to ensure all our students are equipped with the skills and knowledge for success within the hospitality and tourism industry!”